Decarbonizing the built
environment
Cement & Concrete
Cement and concrete constitute approximately 8% of all global emissions, and demand is expected to grow significantly for this crucial construction material by 2050. Low-emissions solutions for cement and concrete exist, however the supply is limited and carries a price premium compared to conventional products. Cement and concrete producers need clear signals that there is sizable demand for low-emissions products to justify the high capital costs required to finance low-carbon cement production.
GMA and RMI are partnering on an initiative to address these challenges by facilitating capital deployment towards low-carbon cement and concrete, enabling dramatic reductions to embodied emissions in the built environment. This initiative will operate in two phases: first leading a diverse working group to design a credible measurement and book and claim system, and, subsequently, establishing a collective procurement process for both physical and attribute offtake similar to other programs such as the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA), GMA Trucking, and Sustainable Steel Buyers Platform
Book and claim system design to spur cement and concrete innovation
GMA and RMI are currently leading a Working Group to design a credible book and claim system for low-carbon cement and concrete. The Working Group will provide key feedback and perspectives on imperative system design questions, leading to a single standard to uplift green technologies in this sector. Once designed, GMA and RMI will leverage this standard to facilitate bankable contracts between end users and low-carbon cement and concrete suppliers.
Cement and concrete make up 8% of global emissions
Demand for concrete and cement is expected to grow 40% by 2050
Lack of clarity for end users to reach ambitious climate targets
GMA is engaging with stakeholders to:
1
Review and align on measurement methodologies for attributes or certificates
2
Build the book-and-claim structure for concrete attributes
3
Identify additional key stakeholders to engage
4
Provide market intelligence to ensure GMA designs the system in a way that addresses real business and sustainability needs
Working Group
GMA is helping stand up a working group of companies to design a book and claim framework for concrete. Details to come!